The beat drops, the crowd roars: funk and football collide as Baltimore and Dallas storm Rio’s iconic Maracanã for a historic showdown.
The league quickly learned that a party permit never expires in the world’s carnival capital, and cities worldwide are now vying for the NFL’s next stop.
After two seasons of groundbreaking games in São Paulo, the NFL heads to Rio’s sandy arena, where Lamar Jackson’s Ravens will face Dak Prescott’s Cowboys in a first‑ever regular‑season clash.
Soccer dominates Rio’s streets, from Neymar murals in favelas to kids juggling balls on Copacabana. You’ll see the sport on every screen—from barbershops to beach cafés—while locals showcase keep‑y‑up tricks on the sand.
That soccer frenzy inevitably fuels a broader appetite for sport across the city.
“It’s a soccer‑obsessed market, no doubt. Fans talk football all day, but they’re eager for the NFL,” Martinez said.
“Our colors explode here, far different from anything we’ve done abroad. Food, samba, caipirinhas—pure uniqueness,” he added.
“Landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Copacabana and Ipanema give us endless creative fuel,” Martinez noted.
Rio joins a record nine international venues, alongside Paris and Melbourne, the latter recently hosting a 100,000‑fan 49ers‑Rams clash at the MCG.
The NFL debuted in Brazil in September 2024 at São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena, returned there in 2025, and now commits to at least three games in Rio over the next five years.
“Rio feels chill, São Paulo feels corporate. Havaianas and coconut water everywhere—pure vibe,” Martinez explained.
“Once you master each city’s rhythm, the magic happens. It’s incredibly exciting,” he said.
By the end of 2026 the league will have staged 71 regular‑season games abroad, from Mexico City’s Azteca to Madrid’s Bernabéu, now adding the Maracanã to that elite list.
For my money, the Rio crowd will generate the loudest, most authentic roar the NFL has ever heard, echoing every local passion Martinez described.
The NFL has never faced a city as chameleon‑like as Rio, where beaches, Tijuca Park and a rich sporting heritage blend into one magnetic experience.
International games showcase more than football; they reveal a nation’s character. Rio’s moment has arrived.
We aim to set a Guinness World Record with the largest jersey sculpture on the sand, plus surprise installations at Christ the Redeemer,” Martinez revealed.
A female U‑15 flag‑football tournament, community events with both teams, watch parties and influencer‑driven flag games are on the agenda.
“We’ll send message‑filled planes into the sky, launch lagoon activations, and host a 2 km family walk plus a 5 km race for the third year,” Martinez said.
Beyond Sunday’s marquee matchup, the legacy goal is lasting impact—football arrives, but Rio wants it to stay for good.
“Kids are crucial; once they engage with the NFL, they become lifelong fans, unlike casual followers,” Martinez emphasized.
Our pillar‑based community plan starts with a national flag‑football tournament covering U‑15 girls, U‑14 co‑ed, and U‑12 boys and girls from every Brazilian region,” he explained.
The winning squads will represent Brazil on a global stage, fueling visibility far beyond Latin America, with ambitions for a nationwide school program,” he added.
The NFL’s presence opens doors for Rio’s favelas, traditionally the city’s most underserved neighborhoods, to connect with the sport.
“In the first two years, favela kids have competed in the tournament—a magical contrast to club‑academy players,” Martinez noted.
“Seeing an NFL player or mascot for the first time can change a child’s world,” he said, describing the personal reward.
“We’ll keep partnering with favela groups; the talent—artists, musicians, dancers—is astounding and deserves a platform,” he affirmed.
The Cowboys (1‑1) arrive fresh from a 37‑20 win over Washington, with Prescott’s four TD passes eclipsing Tony Romo’s franchise record and an aerial attack that ranked second in yards last season.
The Ravens (1‑1) bounce back from a 24‑17 loss to New Orleans, led by first‑year coach Jesse Minter and MVP Lamar Jackson, who seeks to break his playoff drought after an 8‑9 finish last year.
Rio welcomes two gridiron giants, where caipirinhas meet tackles, samba meets sacks, and the city’s rhythm collides with American football.
Monday: Pedra do Sal street party. Tuesday: Sugarloaf sunset DJ. Wednesday: Christ the Redeemer visit. Thursday: Tijuca hike. Friday: Lapa night. Saturday: Samba dos Guimarães in Santa Teresa. Sunday: NFL history. Ready for the ultimate Rio week?